4 000 aid workers killed in years of conflict

from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRCKINSHASA, (CAJ News) – SOME 4 000 humanitarian workers have been murdered around the world in the past 15 years.

The disturbing figures have been disclosed as the United Nations (UN) commemorated the World Humanitarian Day, marked every year on August 19.

On average, some 300 fellow humanitarians are killed, detained or injured yearly mostly by militant groups.

Perpetrators at the same time kill and maim civilians in conflict zones.

Last year, the UN recorded the deaths or injuries of more than 26 000 civilians in attacks in at least six countries, namely Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Somalia and Yemen.

Around the world, conflict has now displaced a record forced a record 65 million people from their homes.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, also expressed concern that conflict is forcing record numbers of people from their homes, with over 65 million people now displaced.

“Children are recruited by armed groups and used to fight. Women are abused and humiliated,” he lamented.

Guterres called on global leaders to do everything in their power to protect people caught up in conflict.

World Humanitarian Day is marked to express solidarity with people affected by humanitarian crises and pay tribute to the humanitarian workers who help them.

It was first marked in 2003 after the attack on the UN in Baghdad, Iraq, where 22 humanitarians were killed.– CAJ News